Infection of Caiman latirostris nests by red fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

PARACHÚ MARCÓ M.V.; PIÑA, C.I.; LARRIERA, A.

Montelimar

Congreso; 18th Working Meeting of the UICN - SSC Crocodile Specialist Group.; 2006

Grupo de Especialistas en Cocodrilos (CSG/SSC/UICN)

Solenopsis invicta (RFA) reproduces during the warm months of the year, like most of reptiles do. RFA use alligators (in USA) and caiman nests (in Argentina) to establish new colonies. In Argentina, this topic did not call the attention of researchers previously. Our study was focused in the analysis of the percentage of Caiman latirostris nests infected by S. invicta under natural conditions in three nesting habitats: floating vegetation, savanna, and forest. During last caiman’s nesting season (Dec. 2005 – Feb. 2006), we registered the presence of RFA in caiman nests. We also searched for ant’s nests in the same places using quadrants. Data were analyzed by a Chi square test in order to know if RFA infection in the caiman nests was independent of habitats sampled. The amount of RFA´s nests in the habitats was analyzed by ANOVA where habitat type and place were the grouping variables. There were no differences in the amount of ant’s nests between habitats. Our data showed that RFA’s nests are equally represented in the habitats. On the other hand, the higher rate of infection in the floating vegetation habitat could be the result of weather conditions; repetition of this study could answer this issue.